John Allahand

John (Jack) Allahand passed away peacefully at his home on September 7, 2025. He grew up in Trevose, PA, along with his mother, Anna, father, Benjamin, sister, Patricia and three brothers, Robert, James, and Edward. He went to Bensalem High School where he graduated at the top of his class, and played football and basketball, the beginning of a lifelong love of sports. Most importantly, he met his future wife, Marilyn.

Jack went on to earn a BS in Math from Moravian College and then a MS in Math from The Ohio State University. He spent the majority of his career as an aerospace engineer, working with NASA to develop satellite systems. He was a well-loved manager and mentor, with a strong personal belief in DEI, the importance of creating opportunities for everyone. When he retired, his colleagues gave him kudos - for teaching them many life lessons, for being kind and ethical, and for his sense of humor. Everyone who knew Jack enjoyed his wit.

The birth of his son David was a highlight of his life. The two guys bonded over sports, with Jack coaching Dave’s teams in soccer and basketball at the Chestnut Hill Father’s Club. Jack loved traveling to Texas to watch Dave play lacrosse for Rice University, and he was so proud when Dave graduated with a degree in engineering.

Together Jack and Dave enjoyed many adventures, such as deep-sea fishing in Monterey, CA, horseback riding in the mountains of Colorado, and hiking in Yellowstone.

Jack and Marilyn (and sometimes Dave) also traveled throughout Europe, Central America, Canada, and Egypt, enjoying regional foods along the way (especially pastries!). They visited dozens of National Parks and countless wildlife refuges, always enjoying the beauty of nature, especially the birds.

Jack was very close to his goddaughter Tima and her son Gabriel. She says she always appreciated his support and advice and was so happy he could walk her down the aisle at her wedding.

Jack lovingly restored our 1920’s colonial home in Mt. Airy and beautifully landscaped our property. His true pride was his tomato garden, where he planted up to 20 varied species every summer, and then gifted them to grateful neighbors. While gardening, his eyes would light up whenever he heard a Carolina wren or saw a monarch butterfly in our yard. He was always happiest when outside. When we moved to Leamy House, he enjoyed walking around the grounds, noticing the beautiful trees and flowers.

Jack was a dog magnet. He always stopped to pet and talk to any dog he saw. He personally had 6 dogs in his lifetime, but his last and favorite was Pedy, our Chihuahua-Shiba Inu mix who was Jack’s good friend and was always by his side.

Music and art also brought Jack pleasure. His musical tastes were eclectic, ranging from folk to rock to country and classical. We spent many hours watching concerts on TV. Two of his favorites were Paul Simon’s African Concert, and Leonard Bernstein conducting Mahler’s 1st Symphony. Some of his favorite museums were the Louvre, the Uffizi, and the Prado.

Even though Jack faced many health challenges in his later years, he managed to keep a positive outlook, and was always grateful for his family and friends, his wonderful caregivers, Vicky and Carol, and the beauty of the world.

Jack is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his son, David, his sister, Patricia, his brother, Edward, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Jack’s preference was to not have a funeral, so we will honor his decision.

If you wish, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.